The Art and Craft of Quilt Blocks- What’s Unique About The Upstate Heritage Quilt Trail
In every civilization, art and history are often woven into the patterns of everyday objects, such as Greek amphorae for carrying water, Native American pottery used for storing grains, African woven baskets, Chinese porcelain bowls, and American quilts. These items blend utility with cultural expression, making the ordinary extraordinary through artistic design and historical significance.
The Upstate Heritage Quilt Trail originated after one of the board members of the Blue Ridge Arts Center in Seneca took a trip up through Tennessee and Kentucky. She returned with a challenge for the members. She described a group of painted quilt blocks throughout the region which intrigued her enough to stop at the Visitors’ Center in Berea, Kentucky and do some research. The results were the creation of a project; to bring the head of the Kentucky Trail down to South Carolina to teach interested artists the creative process of painting barn quilts. Almost twenty years later, the goals of the Upstate Heritage Quilt Trail (a 501c3 nonprofit), South Carolina’s first quilt trail, remain, to celebrate the artistry of quilters and preserve the history of quilts.
UHQT displays original quilts two to three times a year in a variety of venues. However, this alone does not fulfill their goal. UHQT continues to make these marvelous creations part of the daily experience of community members throughout the region. Currently, UHQT has spread to three Upstate Counties, Oconee, Anderson and Pickens and boasts over 300 barn quilts, 53 of which are displayed in Anderson County.
A UHQT quilt block begins with a professional sign board made of two sheets of specially prepared aluminum, with a polycarbonate center, on which the design will be painted. The block may range from 1’ x 1’ up to 8’ x 8’, but custom sizes are also available. After painting, the quilt block is treated with a marine sealer to ensure full protection from the environment.
The modern barn quilt movement was sparked in 2001 by Donna Sue Groves, who created one to honor her mother and Appalachian heritage, leading to the creation of Barn Quilt Trails across the US. Quilt blocks often tell stories and connect communities through shared artistic and historical expression.
Mounted on the selected site and often visible from roads, these large-scale art pieces sometimes represent family heritage. They serve as a form of folk art and community storytelling, but especially in the hands of Upstate Heritage Quilt Trail (UHQT) painters.
The UHQT showcases a wide variety of quilt types. These range from creations with simple repeating patterns designed for practical use to imaginative works intended for wall display that are as impactful as oil paintings. However, what truly sets UHQT apart from many others is the exceptional artistry found in its quilt blocks.
Cindy Blair, the Chairwoman of the UHQT Board of Directors, explained, “The impetus of our program, is to honor the artists who made the quilts. Initially, after much research and securing financial backing, most of the patterns selected for display were those that had an interesting history or whose creators contributed to local history in some way. Next, we began to create quilt blocks that would accurately reproduce the patterns and colors of an original quilt.”
“In recent years,” Ms. Blair continued, “the members of UHQT have expanded their vision of what quilts we will accept for block production beyond only historically significant ones. The Upstate Heritage Quilt Trail is unique in at least two ways that I’m aware of. First, we require that there be an actual quilt attached to every painted block that we do. But, if someone has a real quilt that is not physically available, we have made a quilt block from a photograph.”
Cindy went on to say, “I think that the second way in which we’re unique involves the artistry of those who paint the blocks. They make every effort to capture the shading and intensity of the quilt’s colors and attempt to recreate the textures as well. If the person who commissions the block wants total authenticity, our artists will go so far as to reproduce rips, stains and even stray threads.” So those painting the blocks are artists in their own right, each bringing their own vision and unique creative flair to every project. Their contributions make each quilt block not just a reproduction, but a vibrant work of art that celebrates both the quilter and the painter.
Perhaps, as you travel through the Upstate region of South Carolina, you’ve spotted these striking works of art brightening the landscape and admired their beauty and charm. The UHQT creates and displays these quilt blocks, and at many locations, the story behind each quilt—carefully researched and written by UHQT members—is also shared. These narratives often include treasured family memories, the history of the quilt pattern, and details about its physical location. While UHQT’s quilt blocks are found throughout Pickens, Oconee, and Anderson counties, the organization happily serves clients beyond this region, bringing the artistry and stories of quilts to a wider community.
If you or your group are interested in obtaining one of these blocks, UHQT welcomes clients who wish to commission a quilt block for personal display on your store, home, or even your dock. To learn more or start your commission, visit UHQT.org today.
Once you choose to commission a block, you have control over the process. You can select the quilt to be used, or you may ask UHQT to find one for you. You are welcome to participate as much or as little as you’d like in creating the block. For some clients, UHQT has provided quilts featuring specific images such as birds, cats, dogs, or waterfalls. In other cases, UHQT helped clients find a quilter to commission a quilt depicting a particular scene or subject that was meaningful to them.
While you’re on the UHQT website, click on the Trails/Map selection. This will show you all the quilt block locations in Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens counties, as well as those in Greenville—even though those are not managed by UHQT. By clicking on each of the individual quilt block locations, you will see the quilt’s information, story and a thumbnail photo.
Cindy Blair summed up UHQT’s purpose and vision. “We don’t just put pretty designs on buildings; our main goal is to honor the quilters and their art. That’s what we’re all about.” By focusing on both the creative process and the stories behind the quilts, UHQT works to ensure that each block serves as a tribute to the artistry and history of quilting.